Project Manager - Agile and Waterfall

PURPOSE:
As a Project Manager (PM) within Ascend Technologies PMO 2.0, you will be responsible for guiding cross-functional teams in delivering multiple concurrent projects using Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies based on business needs. You will play a key role in driving Agile transformation while ensuring structured project execution in alignment with stakeholder expectations, timelines, and budget constraints.

This position requires a strong leadership mindset, adaptability, and an understanding of both Agile and Waterfall approaches to effectively manage projects across varied client and technology landscapes. You will work closely with business leaders, technical teams, and stakeholders to ensure successful project execution, delivering value efficiently.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Agile Leadership & Execution
•    Lead and facilitate Agile ceremonies (e.g., Refinement Meetings, Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint
     Reviews, Retrospectives).
•    Serve as a Scrum Master or Agile Coach to enable Agile best practices across teams.
•    Work closely with Solution Architects to define, prioritize, and refine backlogs for iterative delivery.
•    Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and self-organization within Agile teams.
•    Track Agile team performance metrics, ensuring iterative delivery and continuous value creation.
•    Waterfall & Hybrid Project Management
•    Develop full-scale project plans, including scope, milestones, risk assessments, and deliverables.
•    Define project tasks, dependencies, and resource requirements while ensuring alignment with business
     priorities.
•    Manage project budgets, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.
•    Plan, schedule, and track project timelines using Waterfall, Agile, or hybrid methodologies as appropriate.
•    Conduct project evaluations and assessments, ensuring lessons learned inform future project improvements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
•    Communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, leadership, and technical teams to
     ensure clarity in project goals and objectives.
•    Present project updates, progress, risks, and solutions to leadership teams and clients.
•    Identify and mitigate project risks through proactive decision-making and issue resolution.
•    Drive stakeholder engagement through transparent reporting and governance practices.
Process Improvement & Innovation
•    Identify, analyze, and improve team processes to enhance efficiency, automation, and effectiveness.
•    Champion the Agile mindset across cross-functional and leadership teams to foster agility beyond IT.
•    Other Responsibilities as assigned by management

MINIMUM SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
•    Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills to manage complex, high-visibility projects.
•    4+ years of experience managing IT projects using Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies.
•    Proven expertise in Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, or Lean) and familiarity with traditional project
     management practices (Waterfall, PMBOK).
•    Strong ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while ensuring effective team collaboration.
•    Hands-on experience leading Agile teams, serving as a Scrum Master, Agile Coach, or Agile Project Manager.
•    Experience managing risks, dependencies, and change control across enterprise projects.
•    Ability to influence stakeholders and foster collaboration across technical and non-technical teams.
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Project, or other project management tools.
•    Strong experience in managing resource capacity and balancing supply/demand in Agile delivery.

PREFERRED SKILLS, EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE
•    4+ years of experience leading technology teams with a track record of driving transformation.
•    PMP, SAFe Agilist (SA), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), or equivalent certifications.
•    Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or a related field.
•    PMP Certification is preferred.

Starting Compensation: $90,000/year

At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

CORE VALUES
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:  
•    Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.
•    One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.
•    Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.
•    Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.
•    Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 
Must be able to sit, stand, and bend for the duration of shift. The position is mainly sitting, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, such as laptop, server equipment, and, driving to the work site to meet with client(s).